MIDDLESBROUGH and Sunderland's promotion rivals are braced for a major blow after Derby County triggered the release clause of manager John Eustace over the weekend.

The Rams identified their former player Eustace as top target after sacking Paul Warne last week.

Derby then made a formal approach over the weekend and activated Eustace's compensation clause - which is said to be around the £500,000 mark.

Derby are battling relegation while Blackburn are currently in the top six, but Eustace is Midlands-based, so the opportunity to take charge of the Rams would mean he'd be closer to his family. Reports suggest Eustace was also frustrated by Blackburn's January transfer activity.

Our sister website, the Lancashire Telegraph, reported over the weekend that the indications are Eustace will leave Ewood Park.

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It would be a huge blow for Rovers, who have been transformed by the former Birmingham boss since his appointment. They're currently sixth in the table, a point above Boro and 14 behind Sunderland.

Asked about the situation after the weekend FA Cup defeat to Wolves, Eustace told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I will have to see exactly what's happened and talk to the owners.

"At the moment, I will be in charge for West Brom. I have come here to help rebuild it and help push up the league. I have been very happy here.

"It's something where I now need to speak to the owners to see what they think as well.

Eustace insisted he does feel supported at Blackburn, but said: "I am away from my family a lot, I am working my socks off, as everyone is, to make sure Blackburn are very competitive and stay in a healthy position.

"When I came here, we were on the way down. Now we're on the way up. We've had some disappointing results but it's something I will have to discuss with the owners and see what happens.

"I have been linked with jobs all season. That's down to the efforts of the group. It's part of the job.

"I have just come off the pitch and realised they have made an official approach. I am sure Steve (Waggott) and Suhail (Pasha) will want to sit down and talk to me. I'd be disappointed if they didn't."

"I think if a club makes an official approach, my first conversation has to be with our owners to find out what the situation is. Then we can take it from there. It is about reassurance too."